Squid Ink Challenge: Banh Mi ID

It is not, generally speaking, good politics to wax fondly about colonialism, especially in a metropolis as prismatic as Los Angeles. That said, we will always have banh mi, the French-Vietnamese cross-platform construction of squishy baguette, pickled carrot and daikon, cilantro, meat and--depending on which sandwich you order where--enough raw chile to season the filling with all the subtlety of an acetylene torch.

The challenge: Match the pictured banh mi to the San Gabriel Valley sub house that made it, either Banh Mi & Che Cali, Banh Mi My Tho or Saigon's Bakery and Sandwiches. All three are thit nuong, grilled pork. A few hints. Sandwich A is the mildest of the bunch, with only a token helping of chile. Served on a medium baguette, sliced in half. Sandwich B is served warm with a wedge of cucumber and nubs of peanut on the loftiest baguette, also sliced in half. Sandwich C omits the cilantro but compensates with jalapeno. Very spicy. Served on a compact, un-sliced baguette.

Venture your guesses in the comments, where the answers will be posted this Friday morning at 9am. More photos after the jump. Remember to click the images for a full-size view.

Banh mi ID: exploded view

Ben Calderwood

Banh mi ID: in profile

Ben Calderwood

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